Teachers Return to Palisades Schools as Strike Ends

LAUSD students rally in solidarity with their teachers in Pacific Palisades. Photo: Courtesy

Agreement reached after a week of striking.

By Keldine Hull

On January 14, they took to the picket lines in the first strike to affect LA schools in 30 years. Over a week later, United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), which represents over 30,000 educators, and LAUSD reached a historic agreement that not only benefits educators but also 50,000 students throughout Los Angeles.

Palisades Charter High School, as an independent charter high school, was not impacted by the strike, but teachers within the Palisades Charter Complex did strike, due to their schools’ status as “affiliated charters.” The schools affected by the strike in the Palisades were Canyon, Palisades, Marquez, Topanga and Kenter Canyon Elementary Schools and Paul Revere Middle School.  

UTLA President Alex Caputo-Pearl released a statement regarding the agreement and end to the strike. “For too long teachers have lived with a hard truth to tell- that for years our students were being starved of the resources they need,” he begins. “Our expectations were fundamentally raised by this strike. Together we said we deserve better, our students deserve better. We must keep our expectations high and not let go of this moment, because the next struggle is right around the corner.”

The terms of the landmark agreement include a 6 percent salary increase for educators, reduced class sizes in grades four through 12, increased nursing and library services, and additional counselors for middle and high schools. Other points in the agreement include a commitment to reduce testing by 50 percent, expand green space and support for immigrant families. LAUSD also agreed to provide more opportunities for collaboration between the District and Union.

11th District Los Angeles Councilmember Mike Bonin who represents much of West L.A. also released a statement praising everyone involved in the agreement. “I am grateful and excited that with Mayor Garcetti’s leadership, UTLA and LAUSD have reached an agreement to end the strike and return the students and teachers to the classrooms.” Bonin continues, “The past week has drawn unprecedented attention to the state of public education in Los Angeles, and I hope has reinvested all of us, from individual neighborhoods all the way to Sacramento, in being part of its success.”

LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner feels hopeful that the agreement represents a shift into a positive direction. “Today marks a new chapter in public education for Los Angeles Unified. Public education is the ultimate labor-management collaborative and we are committed to working together to make sure every student gets a great education.”

In a press conference held at City Hall following the agreement, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti spoke of the importance of public education to the city of Los Angeles. “All of us have a huge stake in our school. It represents the future, not only of this city but in many ways our core values, who we are, what we see in our children, and what sort of future city we want to have.” Garcetti continues, “We’ve seen over the last few weeks, the way that this city has rallied around public education. Quite frankly, it’s been breathtaking. It’s been inspiring to see. And for a city that embraced the idea that public education matters, the children matter, the teachers matter, today is a day full of good news.”

Teachers returned to school on January 23, many with the confidence that their voices
mattered, their concerns were heard and the impact of their actions will have a positive effect on teachers and students alike for years to come.

in News
Related Posts

Celebrate With Creative Cocktails and Wine Wednesday at Two of the Westside’s Most Cozy Restaurants

September 18, 2024

September 18, 2024

Enjoy Ronan Restaurant’s Negroni-inspired drinks and Quaff Fine Wine at Hank’s  Ronan, a restaurant located at 7315 Melrose Ave, is...

SMPD Seek Public Help in Homicide Investigation

September 18, 2024

September 18, 2024

They are particularly interested in exterior building surveillance video and dash cam recordings  Santa Monica Police are investigating a homicide...

‘A Must-See’: Light in the Piazza Comes to Broad Stage for One Night Musical

September 18, 2024

September 18, 2024

By Susan Payne An intimate story of contemporary and timeless romance produced by the Musical Theatre Guild is coming to...

Getty Villa Hosting Tour of Ancient Egyptian Sculpted Portraits

September 18, 2024

September 18, 2024

The 30-Minute Tours Will Continue Through November 18 The Getty Villa is offering daily tours of its new exhibition Sculpted...

Event Update: Pups Without Borders Hosts Dog Adoption Event in Brentwood This Saturday

September 17, 2024

September 17, 2024

Olympians Anita Alvarez, Daniella Ramires, and Nick Itkin to Participate in Adoption Event Pups Without Borders, a dog rescue organization,...

PNC Board Member Kyle McAuley Accused of Assault at Board of Neighborhood Councils Commission Meeting

September 17, 2024

September 17, 2024

Update: PNC President Needed Medical Treatment, Statement from McAuley, Journalists William Gude, the journalist who confronted City Attorney Hydee Feldstein-Soto...

Homeless Man Enters Woman’s Home, Exposes Himself While She Sleeps

September 17, 2024

September 17, 2024

The Suspect’s Criminal Record Includes Trespassing, Drug Possession, Battery on a Peace Officer and Carrying a Concealed Weapon Santa Monica...

PCH Reduced to One Lane Overnight in Palisades Through Friday

September 16, 2024

September 16, 2024

Motorists are advised to expect delays Starting Monday, Sept. 16, Pacific Coast Highway will be reduced to one lane in...

SMMUSD Makes Key Agreements in Separation Efforts With Malibu

September 16, 2024

September 16, 2024

This Marks a Significant Milestone Toward the Goal of Dividing the School District The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD)...

Canal Attack Suspect Sentenced to Life Without Parole

September 16, 2024

September 16, 2024

His charges included murder with special circumstances, two counts of rape, and sexual penetration by force Anthony Francisco Jones was...

Bear Spotted in Palisades Country Estates: Report

September 15, 2024

September 15, 2024

Two separate videos captured the bear rummaging through trash A bear was spotted scavenging for food in the Pacific Palisades...

Shooting Suspect Held on $4 Million Bail After Attempted Murder Arrest

September 13, 2024

September 13, 2024

The Shooting Left a 24-Year-Old Man Seriously Injured A Van Nuys man is being held on more than $4 million...

Students Gain Global Perspective Rooted in Service at Marymount

September 13, 2024

September 13, 2024

By Susan Payne  Tradition meets innovation at Marymount, an all-girl Catholic independent high school in Los Angeles. As a Religious...

(Video) Thrilling Rides, Arcade Games and Family Fun Happening at Pacific Park in Santa Monica

September 13, 2024

September 13, 2024

Go to https://pacpark.com for more information @palisadesnews For more info, go to https://pacpark.com #santamonica #losangeles#california #amusementpark #rollercoaster #fyp ♬ original...

Palisades Charter, Brentwood, Beverly Hills Hit the Field for Friday Night Football Games

September 12, 2024

September 12, 2024

Westside High School Football: Where to Stream the Friday Night Showdowns High school football is back, and several Westside teams...

Comments
Leave a Reply